The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 20, 2007, at the NOAA - National Ocean Service Laboratory Auditorium, Charleston, South Carolina. Notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting was posted and mailed to the news media. Chairman Mike McShane presided at the meeting. Board members present included Michael Campbell, Stephen Davis, John Evans, Norman Pulliam, and Caroline Rhodes. Board member Frank Murray’s absence was excused. Mr. John Frampton and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting, as were various guests.

Call to Order
Chairman McShane called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Constituent Comments
Mr. Stallworth noted that there were no requests for constituent comment.

Approval of MinutesChairman McShane asked if there were any additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes of the June 15, 2007, meeting. There being none, Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the June 15, 2007, meeting as presented. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Presentations/Commendations
Mr. Frampton commended Steve Bates and Camp Counselor Brad Taylor for their work with Camp Wildwood. Congressman Joe Wilson recently mentioned Camp Wildwood in a speech recorded in the April 25, 2007, Congressional Record.

Mr. Frampton commended Lynn Quattro on her selection for attendance at the National Conservation Leadership Institute at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV.

Mr. Frampton commended staff who worked through the night recently on the license mailer.

Advisory Committee Reports

Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Stephen Davis reported that the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee met on July 10 in Columbia. The Advisory Committee received an update on striped bass, including a proposed schedule for stakeholders meetings; statewide bob white quail plan; and legislation. The Advisory Committee reviewed the turkey baiting issue. The Advisory Committee received constituent comment from Bob Creech on hunting deer with dogs.

Land, Water and Conservation
Steve de Kozlowski reported that the Land, Water and Conservation Advisory Committee met on July 19, in Columbia. The Advisory Committee presented Freddy Vang, although he was absent, with a Certificate of Appreciation. The Advisory Committee also remembered Commissioner Glenn Alexander who served as a District Commissioner for Lancaster for 50 years and was on the original Land Resources Conservation Commission. Greg Henderson gave a presentation on the problem of unwanted and abandoned pesticides. The Advisory Committee received status reports on hurricane season and the drought; on in-state and interstate water issues; and an update on the Scenic Rivers program.

Items for Board Information

Proposed Boating Legislation
Buford Mabry informed the Board that there was originally one bill that was then split into three separate bills. The river shack bill passed, so this leaves revisions to the other bills: law enforcement and the titling. Mr. Mabry then reviewed the proposed legislation as sent to Board Members via email. The law enforcement revisions simplify some authority in current law, such as allowing law enforcement officers to board and enforce boating laws; amending the procedural acts of suspension following refusal on a BUI case; and requirements for boat accident reporting are clarified. A personal representative as well as an insurer are allowed a copy. The boat titling revisions clarify how dealer registration numbers will be dealt with; make administrative changes in terminology; provide a method of clearing boats and motors from old liens; and simplify titling of found or inherited boats and allow for the use of temporary registration for used boats. After some discussion and several recommendations for changes, the Board asked that it be brought back at the September meeting.

Buck Limit Legislation
Breck Carmichael distributed and reviewed a draft bill relating to buck limits. The proposed language is to set the bag limit on antlered deer in all games zones to be not more than five for all seasons combined. After much discussion, the Board requested that Mr. Carmichael also include recommendations for tagging and enforcement and bring it back before the Board at its August meeting.

Manufacture Date Reflected on Outboard Motor Title
Carole Collins distributed copies of Mercury and Yamaha FAQ’s about outboard motors and explained that the year of manufacture appears on the title, which may not be the model year. After much discussion, the Board asked Mr. Mabry, Ms. Collins, Col. Taylor, Sammie Haithcock, and Sandra Hartley to further review this issue and report back to the Board.

Update on Aquatic Nuisance Plants on DNR Properties
Chris Page reviewed highlights of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Program and also the 2007 Planned Management Operation Expenditures for DNR properties. The areas scheduled for 2007 are Yawkey Wildlife Center, Santee Delta WMA, Donnelley WMA, Santee Coastal Reserve, Samworth WMA, and Bonneau Ferry. The total cost for 2007 will be $962,119. Mr. Page also reviewed historical Phragmites control and the method of application.

Land Acquisition Process
Emily Cope distributed and reviewed the guidelines for land acquisition.

Chairman McShane introduced Noel Thorn, The Nature Conservancy. Mr. Thorn briefed the Board on land protection efforts in the Savannah River Preserve and the ACE Basin.

Executive Session
At this time Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal, and personnel matters. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Return to Regular Session
Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board return to regular session. Mr. Evans seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Early Migratory Bird Season Selections
Mr. Carmichael reviewed the Early Migratory Bird Season as submitted in the Board meeting package. Mr. Campbell made a motion that the Board approve the Early Migratory Bird Season Selections as presented. Ms. Rhodes seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Proposed Budget for Waterfowl Stamp Funds 2007-2008
Mr. Carmichael reviewed the Proposed Budget for Waterfowl Stamp Funds as submitted in the Board meeting package. Mr. Evans made a motion that the Board approve the proposed budget as presented. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Director's Briefing
Mr. Frampton gave the Board an update on the budget.

Mr. Frampton distributed a Concurrent Resolution introduced by Representative Grady Brown requesting that DNR name the crosswalk atop the Lake Ashwood Dam in Lee County the “Wayne W. Brown Crosswalk.” Mr. Pulliam made a motion to this effect. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Legislative Report
Derrick Meggie distributed a directory of the members of the House and Senate Committees dealing with DNR. Mr. Meggie also distributed the latest draft of the Road Hunting bill.

Deputy Directors' Reports

Marine
Mr. Boyles distributed and reviewed the ACE Basin Coastal Training Initiative document, “Training Needs Assessment of Professional Decision Makers in Coastal Counties of South Carolina.” Mr. Boyles reminded the Board that the Harry Hampton Marine Conservation banquet will be held Saturday, August 18.

Land, Water and Conservation
Mr. de Kozlowski updated the Board on the drought and tropical weather. Mr. de Kozlowski informed the Board that the Conservation District Leadership Conference will be held July 30, at Sandhills Research Center, Columbia.

Outreach and Support Services
Ms. Collins reported that this is the 55th year for Camp Wildwood. Ms. Collins also noted that the interns went on a one-day trip to Camp Wildwood.

Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Mr. Carmichael reported on a partnership project with COE, BASS and Lake Hartwell Homeowners Association to implement a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation MORE FISH Partnership Grant with funds being used to plant native submersed plants to improve fish habitat. Mr. Carmichael also reported that staff have responded to 91 nuisance bear complaints in the upstate and Coastal Plain.

Law Enforcement
Col. Taylor gave the Board an update on officer hiring, noting that backgrounds have been completed on 31 candidates. Col. Taylor gave the Board an update on boating accidents noting six fatalities and 35 accidents. Col. Taylor briefed the Board on the no wake zone request for Wappoo Cut and stated that there will be no changes other than more signs and more enforcement during peak usage.

At this time Ed Duncan briefed the Board on the I-73 4F issue and the possibility of securing contiguous property as mitigation for the 30 acres in the Little Pee Dee Heritage Preserve.

Executive Session
At this time Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss contractual, legal, and personnel matters. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Return to Regular Session
Mr. Davis made a motion that the Board return to regular session. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.